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“Yup. One is Martika’s grandson—he needs security for a gala he’s hosting. A thousand people. So we’ll probably need to hire some freelancers for that one.”

“Jesus. But still, good news.”

He updates me on a few more things before I pull up to Martika’s building.

“Listen I just pulled up to Martika’s,” I say. “So we can talk about expansion at next week’s all-hands meeting.”

“Well, now that you have a new partner?—”

“Gotta run, man. I’ll call you later!” I disconnect and get out to greet Martika.

As always, any appointment with Martika runs long.

Her doctor tends to be busy, traffic is usually a nightmare, and she always gets me to walk her in when we get home. So she can feed me, give me water, whatever it takes to keep me around a little longer. And I don’t mind—she’s lonely. Plus, she pays me incredibly well. I can hang out and make her laugh for a while.

She loves hearing updates on the wedding, so I tell her everything I can remember.

Color scheme, menu, and bridesmaid info makes her giggle. Then she pulls out pictures of her own wedding. Well, her first wedding. From what I understand, there have been four, and she’s outlived all the grooms.

It’s getting late, though, and I really need to get going.

I’ve just gotten into my SUV when a text from Willow pops up.

WILLOW: I need you. In my trailer. Hurry!

My blood runs cold, and I probably break a dozen traffic laws getting back to the set, grateful that this part of the movie is being filmed in L.A. They did two weeks on location in Hawaii—which is what convinced her to have the wedding there—but the rest is all local.

Throwing the vehicle into park, I race past the guards, past some startled members of the crew, and even past Vivian, in a panic about what might be happening to Willow.

And where the hell is Ty?!

I throw open the door to Willow’s trailer. “Willow! Babe, what’s—” I cut off abruptly.

She’s buck naked, sprawled across the small daybed provided for her.

And as my eyes rake over her beautiful body, I realize she’s… handcuffed.

“Took you long enough,” she murmurs, playfully batting her eyelashes.

“I was…” I can’t remember where I am and my mouth feels dry.

Not that we don’t already have the most incredible sex possible, but this is different. Special.

The ultimate show of trust.

“Where’s the key?” I ask automatically, safety always of tantamount importance.

She laughs and motions with her head. “Right there. Now come to bed, Hudson.”

She doesn’t have to ask me twice.

I take a second to lock the door and start ripping my clothes off.

A moment later I’m on top of her, mouths and bodies in perfect sync as we kiss and touch and…bond. That’s the best word to describe this because it’s so much more than lovemaking.

She knows I love her.

She knows I’ll always take care of her.